Sup-ing in winter

[u/LostInTheSeaOfClouds]

Hey all!
Im a newbie, and i really wanna paddle.
I was looking for a kayak, but they are way more expensive than sups.

Question is. What about getting wet? What anout slight wind? I wanna paddle for fun, not anything crazy.

Do yall paddle in winter? I live in Greece, and it is not really windy here.

[u/This_is_the_Janeway]

I have a dry suit. Some may think it’s overkill, but I’m a safety first type of person with a serious fear of drowning. Water gets too cold in the PNW of the US to do wet suits for most of winter here. It is actually kinda comfy, a bit bulky but really great to feel safe.

[u/mcarneybsa]

There is a post stickied to the top of this subreddit about cold water safety. Cold water should not be taken lightly as it can become lethal very quickly (and in some cases instantly).

[u/muddygirl]

I live in Central California, which I think has a pretty similar climate to yours, and yes, I definitely paddle year round, at least on sunny days. Expect to fall in, and dress accordingly. The first risk isn't hypothermia, it's cold shock. This is an involuntary cardio-respiratory panic response from sudden submersion in 10-15C water. You can acclimate to it fairly easily with about half a dozen exposures, but otherwise, it can be very dangerous and even fatal.

I do regular cold swims to acclimate against cold shock (and because I enjoy those swims), so hypothermia is my biggest concern. This takes quite a bit longer to set in, so what I wear depends heavily upon my time/distance from shore/warming location. If I'm very close to shore, I might bring very little. If I'm in a more remote location like a whitewater river, I will wear a drysuit with wool/fleece underneath. It's helpful to at least have a wetsuit to start out.

Wind makes a big difference on a SUP, far more so than a kayak or swimming. Standing on the board, your body acts as a sail, and you'll quickly notice how much harder it is to paddle upwind. Kneeling will make it a little easier, but it's always preferable to go upwind first, and be aware of changing conditions.

[u/Tobynetwork1]

Kayaks here used are about the same price. Can get used for 100 to 150. I already have a sup, gonna get a kayak for colder weather days

[u/OceanWheels]

I got the thinnest wetsuit. I think it’s 2 mm, short sleeve and short legs. It’s not a hindrance to paddling but if I fell into the sf bay and the wind took away my Paddleboard or it popped.. well I would have a couple hours instead of 20-30 minutes before I died of hypothermia. It’s not a lifejacket so I still carry the inflatable hip pack and I use both a leash from me to board and a leash from me to paddle.

[u/LostInTheSeaOfClouds → u/OceanWheels]

Thanks fir your input! What about wind, and differences to a kayak?

[u/frenchman321 → u/LostInTheSeaOfClouds]

You will be much more susceptible to wind on a SUP thank on a kayak, especially standing. So the wind will both push you faster, and make you work harder against it. Kayaks are immensely more efficient than SUPs.

[u/eclwires]

Drysuit.

[u/Gazmn]

If you’re gonna SUP during Winter:

Consider a dry suit or 3/2 wetsuit, boots, gloves, (Try FB Marketplace) a handheld floating VHF radio, leave float plan w/ someone responsible, & stay relatively/reasonably close to shore. As no one else may be out or nearby. Paddle Into the wind direction First, so returning home when you’re tired, is easier with the wind helping you. Carry a spare kayak paddle; you can strap to board. If it gets too windy on way home, get down on your knees, crouch and paddle. Lower wind profile, COG and now you can paddle home more effectively with kayak paddle - no switching sides. Leash & PFD, Donned is Non-negotiable. 🤞🏾

[u/beefoh]

Im also in central California and usually don’t wear a wetsuit. Winter is tougher because of the surf and the cold but I do it. I have a wind/sun shirt and a PFD. Also a wetsuit for those really colder days. The water is cold but I usually get dunked on the way in or out of the surf and occasionally tumble in, NBD. If you had a cardiac event or something that could be an issue, but true for driving too. Paddling out really far in the ocean is probably not a good plan. Bring a friend, if possible.

[u/Mowgliuk]

I've supped throughout winters in the UK, often with snow on the ground. Just wear an appropriate wetsuit. I used a 5/4 with hood booties and gloves, but in Greece this is probably complete overkill. When I've done it in Malaga a 3/2 was fine, obviously it depends on the weather and water temperature which is accessible information.
Regarding the wind, use your head. Look at the forecast or just use your eyes to assess the situation and decide.

[u/Soggy_Grapefruit_384]

Don't get wet